Cleveland Beer Fest debuts big, and you can win free tickets

(UPDATE: Congratulations to commenter Ryan McCartney, winner of the tickets to the festival. Thanks to everyone who entered. You can still get a discount on advance tickets. Read on to find out).

Most beer festivals start out small: a dozen or so brewers, maybe some food pairings, a local band or two. Then, if it’s a success, it happens again following year, a little bigger, then over the years even more is added.

The Cleveland International Beer Fest threw that formula out the window. This inaugural fest on May 13-14 at the Ohio city’s I-X Center will feature three sessions – one Friday night and two on Saturday, upwards of 800 beers poured from more than 200 brewers from around the globe, presentations from renowned craft beer authorities, and a judged competition. (Read through this article to find out how to garner a discount on tickets and a chance to win a free pair).

Now, here’s some good news for readers of Road Trips for Beer. You can get a $4 discount on general admission tickets (no minimum required). Just go to the International Beer Fest website, www.ixbeerfest.com, click on the “Buy Tickets” icon, and enter the promo code BLOG. Then click and print. Plus, when you order an online advance ticket, you’ll receive a one-year subscription or renewal to DRAFT Magazine – an added value of $19.99!

Now for the even better news. The good folks at the I-X Center gave us the go-ahead to offer a free pair of general admission tickets to the International Beer Fest.

All you have to do is leave a comment below telling us what your favorite beer festival of the year is.

If you want additional chances to win, you can do these things (make sure you leave a separate comment below for each action):

My favorite beer festival of the year is Blues and Brews in Akron. It’s just a blast being outside in the heat of summer while enjoying outstanding beers. Some breweries really bring out the heavy hitters for this one! Last year Great Lakes brought a firkin of Rye of the Tiger, and Hoppin’ Frog brought Cafe BORIS. You can guess where I spent most of my time!

The Best beer fest hands down is Stone Beer fest! There enough variety to try the some of the best beer around but it’s not too big so it stays personalized. Its well organized with a map of where each brewery is and what beers they have,so no going up to a table to find out they have something you don’t want. The events sells out early every year. You are also able to talk to people and brewers and enjoy great food as well (Mikes beer cheese rocks!). Also its outside so you can soak up some sun or hang out under the tent in the shade! I’m comming in from CO and hope to compare to GABF!